Greater New Orleans

New Orleans Saints strong safety Roman Harper (41) celebrates in the background as free safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) intercepts a pass from Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer and runs it back for a touchdown during action at at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Sunday on Nov. 16, 2012. (Photo by Ted Jackson, Nola.com / The Times-Picayune archive)

Wednesday Chapels are an event that students eagerly anticipate at Northlake Christian. Disciplinarian Mark Robert is the usual speaker, and the students enjoy the lively worship and challenging sermons. The Wednesday Chapel on April 3 brought a special, inspiring surprise speaker.

Northlake Christian School website

The gymnasium roared with applause when Western Civilization teacher Sean Englert introduced special guest speaker, New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins. The reputable player wanted to discuss something a little more important than being a Saint; he wanted to discuss being saved.

Jenkins told his audience that he didn’t grow up in church like most of his audience did. He explained his first brush with Christianity was in high school when he was filling out a standard application form. Jenkins recalls being confused about what to put under religion and turning to his friend to asked them what he should mark. “My friend told me to put 'Christian' and so I did. I really didn't know what that meant or entailed…No, I definitely did not know that that entailed," he said.

Many years later Jenkins was asked by a friend if he wanted to attend church with them. “I wanted to do this right. I put in my all - 100 percent. If I was going to do this, I was going to give it everything I had," he said.

Jenkins explained that living a Christian lifestyle on a daily basis isn’t easy. The safety inspired his audience to really live out their walk. He explained that one of the best parts about being a member of the Saints is that he is on a team with a bunch of men who “get it.” These men know first and foremost that they are second, and they use their platforms not to push their own agendas, but God's agenda, Jenkins said.

Rob Wilton, a personal friend of Jenkins and the New Orleans Saint’s Chaplin, closed the service, helping to really bring home what Jenkins said. Wilton explained that all Christians need to step up. He told the Wolverines that all of the talents and gifts that God has blessed them with are for a higher purpose.

"I hate to tell you this and this might even ‘offend’ some of you, but this life isn’t yours," Wilton said. "It isn’t about you."

Wilton also encouraged those who are struggling with their faith. "Look, I’m telling you that this road is going to be hard. The bible says that we are going to be able to cast out demons, rise people from the dead, and even heal the sick. But at the same time we are going to be hated by all; all for the sake of His name. I can’t promise you that this is going to be easy. But I can promise you that there is a God who will be with you and loves you more than anything.”